TTC Flaming Purple vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Gravel both present intriguing options for typists seeking a linear switch experience, yet they cater to different preferences and priorities. The TTC Flaming Purple stands out with its resonant and slightly bassy sound profile, adding a unique auditory flair to each keystroke. Its feathery typing feel, coupled with a light bottom-out force of just 47g, ensures a swift and engaging experience, making it appealing for both enthusiasts and daily users who appreciate a touch of personality in their typing. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel offers exceptional smoothness and a refined feel, boasting a medium-light actuation force that facilitates responsive and effortless typing. While it may not have the distinct audio character of the Flaming Purple, the Gravel focuses on providing a consistently pleasant touch experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize smooth keystrokes without distraction. Both switches have their unique strengths, catering to different typist preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Gravel switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which allow them to share distinct sonic similarities in their performance. The use of polycarbonate results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, attributed to the material's relatively stiffer nature. This shared characteristic ensures that users can expect a clear and resonant auditory experience when these switches are activated. Moreover, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing enhances the visual appeal, especially under RGB lighting, providing a vibrant aesthetic that appeals to customization enthusiasts.
In contrast, while the top housings of the Flaming Purple and HMX Gravel are the same, their bottom housings are also of notable interest. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, imparting a deeper and fuller sound profile during keystrokes. The nylon material's softer texture absorbs more sound and distributes it differently, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory sensation compared to the upper portion. This synergy between the stiffer polycarbonate top and the softer nylon bottom creates a harmonious balance in sound, reiterating that both models provide distinct tactile experiences.
Ultimately, while the TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Gravel switches are similar in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom, these materials fundamentally affect how the switches sound and feel. The polycarbonate top enhances clarity and brightness, particularly with RGB lighting, while the nylon bottom contributes to a warmer, fuller sound experience with a softer feel upon bottoming out. Users will find that this combination leads to complementary effects: the top housing influences the release sound, and the bottom housing determines the impact and depth of the keystroke, allowing both models to deliver an impressive typing experience overall.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Gravel linear switches, both are categorized as light switches, but they exhibit slightly different actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Gravel has slightly higher measurements, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Flaming Purple is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may become a concern. In contrast, the HMX Gravel, while still considered light, offers a firmer feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches are light, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users might select one over the other based on their preferences for tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, the Flaming Purple measures 3.6 mm, while the Gravel is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This small difference indicates that both switches have a relatively short travel distance, appealing to users who prefer quicker response times typical in gaming scenarios. The Flaming Purple offers a marginally deeper feel, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more tactile response. On the other hand, the Gravel's slightly shorter travel distance aligns with trends favoring rapid actuation. Ultimately, while both options are designed for enhanced responsiveness, the Flaming Purple's 3.6 mm travel provides a bit more depth compared to the Gravel's 3.5 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Purple switch stands out with a bassy and low-pitched profile, characterized by a rich undertone that adds a poppy flair to each keystroke. This resonant quality offers an engaging auditory experience, providing a satisfying acoustic backdrop for both casual typing and gaming. In contrast, no specific sound qualities have been attributed to the HMX Gravel switch, so its auditory character remains unknown. It's important to note that the sound of any switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which means that enthusiasts may experience variations in acoustic quality even within the same switch.
When it comes to the feel, the Flaming Purple switch is remarkable for its feathery and silky characteristics. With a light actuation force of just 47g, it promotes an effortless typing experience that is both responsive and comfortable, significantly reducing finger fatigue during extended use. This switch encourages swift actuation, making it ideal for both gamers and typists who appreciate a light touch. The HMX Gravel, while not explicitly detailed in this regard, is described as a medium-light actuation switch that leans towards the lighter side, suggesting it may similarly offer an easy-to-press experience that enhances comfort during long typing sessions.
In summary, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is notable for its engaging sound profile and exceptionally smooth, light feel, making it a compelling choice for various typing needs. The HMX Gravel might share some of these qualities, particularly with its medium-light actuation, although its auditory characteristics remain undefined. Overall, users can anticipate a delightful typing experience with both switches, albeit with the Flaming Purple providing a distinct acoustic signature that adds to its appeal.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a light and effortless typing experience, the Flaming Purple is an excellent option. Its low actuation force of 47 grams not only minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions but also provides a unique auditory experience with its bassy and resonant sound signature, adding a layer of engagement whether you're gaming or typing for extended periods. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother typing experience with a slight increase in resistance—a tactile nuance that offers a bit more feedback—the HMX Gravel might be your go-to choice. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams, it still maintains a light feel, making it ideal for those who seek a responsive yet refined keypress. In essence, the Flaming Purple shines with its auditory character and feather-light action, perfect for an immersive and playful typing experience, while the Gravel appeals to those who appreciate smoothness and a bit more feedback, enhancing overall typing comfort. Ultimately, assess your typing style and preferences in sound and feel to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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